I love to read.

Fantasy. Paranormal. Romance. Thriller. Pick your poison.

I love escaping into a fictional world where there’s no pressure, no expectations, and no room for overthinking. It’s one of the ways I recharge when my introvert battery is low.

There’s something about reading that soothes my brain like nothing else can. It’s quiet, solitary, immersive – it’s doesn’t try to make small talk. Just words I can step into on my own terms.

You’ll often find me in my happy place: curled up with my Kindle (or a paperback, as a treat), blanket over my knees, coffee in hand.

Zoom out slightly and reality kicks in: 17 teddies surrounding me, my little one demanding a tea party, and the cat pawing my arm for food whilst silently plotting my demise. Because it’s not always possible to recharge with a book whenever my heart desires.

And when 7 o’clock finally rolls around and I can carve out the time I need?

Guilt shows up uninvited.

Because when I read it means the house isn’t cleaned, the dishes aren’t done, the food shopping isn’t ordered… I’m missing quality time with the partner I’ve barely spoken to all day.

I feel like I should be doing something more with what little free time I get.

Which is ridiculous.

Because taking the time I need to recharge my introvert energy? That is productive. It’s necessary to function at my best. It’s key to my mental health. It’s important.

Yet still, I can’t quite shake that niggly voice in the back of my head saying I should be doing more...

Something more useful. Something more productive. Something that will benefit someone else.

I should be doing something that will make me feel like I’ve earned my rest.

Somewhere along the way, we were taught that rest is only earned once everything else is done — every task completed, every person cared for, every item ticked off the list. But when is that ever the case for parents? For introverts? For anyone, really?

So here’s your reminder:
✨ You don’t need to earn your recharge time.
✨ You don’t need to justify your need for downtime.
✨ It’s okay to give yourself a break.

More than okay. It’s required.

Curl up with that book. Let the dishes wait. Your energy matters — and refilling your cup isn’t selfish. It’s how we keep showing up for the people we love… and for ourselves.

What’s your version of a quiet recharge? And when was the last time you let yourself truly enjoy it — without a side order of shame?